Weddy for Womance? Valentine's Day Suggestions That Don't Suck

An antique Valentine. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

A report by Dana Eastland. It is the hopper’s opinion that Valentine’s Day is not an optimal day to eat out. But perhaps your love is not of that opinion, and you’ve really got to go somewhere nice on Friday February 14th. Here are a few places that will make you a little less likely to poke an eye out.

Why not try someplace new? ~VERBENA~ is serving their regular menu (that’s right, no spendy prix-fixe) from 5:30pm-11:30pm, with lots of reservations for two available. 2323 Polk St. at Green, 415-441-2323.

Another newcomer on Polk Street, ~1760~, will also be offering an à la carte menu. You’ll find many of their regular dishes, plus a few extras for the holiday. Of course, the wine list that is full of bubbles will come in handy too.

~A16~ is celebrating their tenth anniversary on February 14th, in addition to the holiday. The restaurant’s original chef, Christophe Hille, will return to collaborate on the night’s menu, which will include favorite dishes from over the years.

For a low-key but delicious evening, head to ~IZAKAYA YUZUKI~ in the Mission, where they’re offering a five-course dinner for $75. Sake pairings are also available for an additional $45.

~FOREIGN CINEMA~ is really embracing the young love thing, with a Pretty in Pink theme for the evening. The à la carte menu will include lots of favorite classics, including aged New York steak and cornmeal blinis with caviar. They’ll also be offering some special cocktails, wine, and of course, lots of bubbly.

Nothing says romance like jazz, right? Head to ~CAFÉ CLAUDE~ for an evening of live music with Lori Carsillo and a three-course prix fixe menu with options. Dinner is $75 per person, with wine pairing available.

If you’re looking for a great menu with a nice price, check out the prix-fixe at ~SERPENTINE~. The four-course menu offers lots of choices for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, including a Marin Sun Farms beef tenderloin or porcini tagliatelli with shaved perigord truffles. Oh, and dessert is a chocolate cake for two, natch. Dinner is $50 per person, and their full bar will keep things fun.

Do you find a good bargain romantic? Yeah, me too. Berkeley’s ~AJANTA~ is serving not only their regular menu on Valentine’s, but also a chef’s tasting menu for a mere $27.50. The tasting menu includes three appetizers, four main dishes and sides of rice, naan, chutneys and pickles, plus dessert. For a vegetarian feast, it’s only $24.50. You’re welcome.

As stated before, you should really stay home. But maybe cooking isn’t your thing, or you just don’t have the time to prepare the meal your special someone deserves. ~LUKE’S LOCAL~ is your new best friend. They’re delivering two different meal boxes that provide all the supplies you need to make a great meal at home. First is the “DIY Pizzahacker Box,” or you can opt for the “Date Night Steak Box.” Both boxes are $50 each and include a bouquet of tulips, salted caramels from Nosh This, mini cupcakes from Black Jet Bakery, and a handmade card. You just provide the bubbles. They’ll be delivering Friday February 14th from 3pm-7pm.